Threats to natives: The mute
swan is a large bird and has raised some concerns about its impacts
on native species. Overgrazing aquatic vegetation, displacing
native waterfowl, and trampling of nests and nestlings of native
birds are all a concern.

Species Account: Native to
Eurasia, where it has been bred aviculturally since Greek times,
and most free-flying populations exist in domestic situations. In
Florida, Mute Swans are introduced on public or private lakes by
municipalities, property owner associations, and golf courses,
where they sometimes establish a local, feral population. It
primarily feeds on aquatic vegetation and occasionally on grain,
terrestrial grasses, and aquatic inverebrates (Johnsgard 1978).

Habitats: Lake

County

First Year

Extirpated Year

Breeding status

Notes

Bay

1992

Not reported breeding

Brevard

1960's

Not reported breeding

Dade

1960's

Not reported breeding

DeSoto

1960's

Not reported breeding

Hillsborough

1960's

Not reported breeding

Probable breeding reported
(Florida BBA 1986-91).

Martin

1960's

Not reported breeding

Orange

1960's

Not reported breeding

Palm Beach

1960's

Not reported breeding

Pinellas

1960's

Not reported breeding

Polk

1957

At least 10 years

A population of ca. 80 birds
is maintained by the City of
Lakeland (Florida BBA 1986-91)